The Intersection of Education Communications, Policy, and Politics

Competitiveness Through High Schools

High school dropout rates are at epidemic proportions. The recent NAEP data demonstrates that we haven’t moved a hair on the achievement gap among high school students in decades. Yet we all seem to recognize that a high school diploma and some form of postsecondary education is a non-negotiable when it comes to personal success and economic strength. So how do we bridge the disconnect?

The topic is particularly interesting in light of a guest post on today’s Politics K-12 blog, which indicates there is some grumbling with regard to the Obama Administration’s financial commitment to meaningful high school improvement.

Looking for more info? This afternoon, House Education Committee Chairman George Miller (CA) hosted a full committee hearing on “America’s Competitiveness and through High School Reform.” Important topic, one for which we have more questions than answers. Panelists included Vicki Phillips of the Gates Foundation and Bob Wise of the Alliance for Excellent Education. All the info is here, including a webcast and the testimony of all participants. Worth taking a look.